The Battle of Scary Creek, fought on July 17, 1861, in Putnam County, was one of the first Civil War battles and an early Confederate victory. Union General Cox tried to trap Confederate forces led by General Wise in the Kanawha Valley. About 1,300 Union troops clashed with 900 Confederates near Little Scary Creek. After nearly five hours of fighting, including failed Union attacks, Confederate Captain Albert Jenkins led his side to victory after Colonel George S. Patton was wounded. Although casualties were low, the Confederates soon retreated from the area by August 1.